Spring 2014 newsletter v4

Plum Grove Estates Property Owners Association

Neighborhood News Working Together for a GREAT Neighborhood

Spring 2014

President’s Message – Guy Karm

The theme of my President’s Message is usually the same--we have the greatest neighbors and Plum Grove Estates is a wonderful place to live. Unfortunately, that is not always true.

We now have a number of rental properties in Plum Grove Estates.

Although most renters have been good neighbors, there a few that have abused the neighborhood.

They have no financial interest in the property and they just do not care. The owners of these properties are just as bad because they live somewhere else and this is only rental income property to them and they just do not care.

These properties stand out because of their appearance, their neglected condition and the activities that take place at their locations.

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In the past I have promised neighbors that the Board would take action to resolve the conditions at these locations.

Although you would probably not believe it as there has not been much change in these properties, the Board has been aggressive towards these properties. We have made numerous complaints with various departments at Cook County. As a result only minor improvements were made and they were temporary at best.

Within a short period of time it was business as usual for these renters at these properties.

It is easy to see how this can happen. With all of the problems that are present in Cook County, the condition and activities at some of the houses in our neighborhood must be a low priority and especially when the President of the County Board has advised that she would like to eliminate unincorporated areas like our neighborhood.

In the past at discussions at our general meetings I have told residents that we may need to have our own attorney file actions against these bad renters and the bad property lessor-owners. Each time I have been chastised about spending association money for legal fees when the county should

be taking care of this for us at no expense to us as part of the services provided from our property tax payments. Of course, none of these objecting neighbors live next door to these problem properties.

In any event, the county has been unable to resolve the problems at these properties and it is in every property owner’s best interest to do so. I strongly believe that as good neighbors we should unite and help our neighbors who live near these problem properties. I am the last person who wishes to spend association funds needlessly, but if we need to take legal action against these renters and owners to resolve things, then so be it. We should do whatever is necessary to preserve the integrity of our neighborhood so that Plum Grove Estates remains a wonderful place to live. Please feel free to contact me or any Board member should you wish to Continued on next page…

Newsletter Contents Directors Reports………………….2- 3 Holiday Party………………………5 -6 Previous Meeting Minutes….……7 - 8 Sad News……………..……………....9 PGE Calendar………………………..10

Plum Grove Estates Property Owners Association P.O. Box 2568 Palatine, IL 60078-2568 www.pgepoa.org

…Continued from page 1 express an opinion on this issue.

Now to end my message on a good note–I have heard rumors from the committee about the theme and plans for the Kick Off To Summer Party this year- which is my personal favorite event. Although this information remains top secret at this point, I can assure you that you will not want to miss this event. Please remember that attendance is limited per occupancy code, so that you must RSVP in a timely manner. Also, food and beverages are ordered based on those numbers. Last year several families decided to attend who had not sent in an RSVP. This resulted in a shortage of food and a problem with the occupancy numbers. All our residents are welcome to this festive event, but you must RSVP to attend.

In closing, I remain convinced that despite the few problem people, we have the greatest neighbors and that Plum Grove Estates is a wonderful place to live.

I hope to see all of you at the Kick Off To Summer Party in June.

of Beth Prezemble, Debbie Wear, and George Reichl (Chairperson) with Mary Crook as current Treasurer in attendance as well. All records were found to be in order and all assets have been reconciled to independent sources as of 12/31/13.

Membership Report – Maria Pappas Congratulations to the following new homeowners and we welcome you to Plum Grove Estates. Please remember to join us in June for our 'Kick off to Summer Party' and in December for our Holiday Party, as well as our meetings. Invitations to all of our events are sent by mail. Contact Maria Pappas

2014 PGEPOA Officers/Directors

Guy Karm, President, PGEPOA

Board Member Reports Social Report – Lynn Meinzer The next General Meeting will be in SPRING on May 21st. Refreshments at 7pm and Meeting at 7:30.

The ‘Kick-Off’ to Summer Party will be held Wednesday. June 18th, 5:30 to 8:30pm appropriately so because Summer begins on June 21st. Helping hands are always welcome!

PGE Annual Audit – George Reichl As required by the by-laws, the audit committee completed the annual audit of the PGE Homeowners Association’s financial affairs for the calendar year 2013 on March 4th. The audit committee consisted -2-

President Vice President and Architectural Control Secretary Treasurer Area Control Civic Affairs Membership Communications Social and Landscaping Audit Past President

Guy Karm Dave Freeman Debbie Denten Mary Crook Carl Siemianowski Steve Sperling Maria Pappas Martin Kammerman Lynn Meinzer George Reichl Gary Dindia

Advertising Full page ....................once/$150 yearly/$380 Half page ...................once/$100 yearly/$255 Quarter page..............once/$50 yearly/$125 Eighth page................once/$25 yearly/$60 Thank you to all of our advertisers! Your ad defrays the cost of producing and mailing the newsletter.

Plum Grove Estates Property Owners Association P.O. Box 2568 Palatine, IL 60078-2568 www.pgepoa.org

(2291 Longacres) at 847-303-3536 with any questions or concerns that you may have. We look forward to meeting all of you.

271 Longacres Lane- Judith Pietsch 258 Brookdale Court- Frank Curkov 2331 Circle Drive- Matthew & Shayna Frick

Did you know that Plum Grove Estates is on Facebook?

Check it out!

252 Park Drive- James & Marilyn Graves 356 Knollwood Court- John Peters 374 Oakwood Court- Invitation Homes Properties

Architectural Control – Dave Freeman There have been no new plans for homes, landscape improvements or additions currently submitted for approval. We urge all to consult the Plum Grove Guidelines posted on our website for items that need approval from our committee.

Please contact Dave Freeman at 847=975-1951 or email dave.freeman@cbexchange.com if you have questions regarding any improvements you’re

planning for your home.

At our recent general meeting discussion was held regarding our neighbors along Frontage Road.

• Bethel Lutheran had submitted plans for construction of an AT&T Cell phone tower, but this was rejected by Rolling Meadows. We have talked with the Pastor and as of last month no new initiative had been brought forward. The church is reviewing its options with AT & T and said that they would be in contact with us if they come up with a new proposal.

It appears that the construction of such a tower would infringe on setbacks and they understand our concern and have assured us they will be keeping us up to date. Dave Freeman will be in touch with the church and report again at the next general meeting • St. Mary’s Coptic Church was planning an expansion which would require the advice and consent as well as approval from our Board as that project is to move forward. We have talked with them and at this point, they indicated they do not have adequate funds available to move forward with drawings, or an architect to submit proposed plans to any government body. They would need approval and to follow guidelines set forth by PGHOE, Rolling Meadows and Cook County. Our conversations with them were informative and honest and they will keep us up to date. Dave Freeman will be in touch with the church and report again at the next general meeting.

Landscape Report – Lynn Meinzer Even though the 2013-14 Winter started early and ran late, weather cycles and Spring will be official on March 20th this year. Bulbs planted at the entrances of Plum Grove Estates will most likely be late to bloom. When the snow is finally all melted, work on the entrances will begin – then the grassy areas.

Following is an estimate of when to look for various blooming plants in the common areas of PGE. April – May the Daffodils and Tulips at the entrances should bloom. Some are new bulbs and some have been moved to new locations.

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Plum Grove Estates Property Owners Association P.O. Box 2568 Palatine, IL 60078-2568 www.pgepoa.org

May – the ‘Trinity’ Pear Trees along the north end of Brookdale Pond will bloom. Also, the replacement ‘Royal Raindrops’ Crabapple Trees at Elmwood Ct. and Circle Ct. islands will bloom.

May-June the ‘Autumn Jazz’ Viburnum Hedge along the Frontage Road will bloom.

June – The ‘Knock-Out’ Roses should start to bloom at the entrances.

June, July and August - the Diervilla, which is green and white variegated, the Dwarf Barberry, which is a plum/red color bloom in summer. Perennials start to bloom during this time as well.

August – the ‘Blue Spirea’ at Longacres blooms blue.

At the end of September – the ‘Mums’ are planted to decorate the entrances.

Fall - the new ‘Marmo’ Maple at Briarwood that was planted in late November last year and the new Maple at Longacres will show some fall color. These trees were declared diseased with the Emerald Ash Borer by three arborist companies. There were hopes that the extended cold winter would kill off this disease. However, according to Beth Botts of the Morton Arboretum, it will not stop this Ash disease, only some of the borers.

This season, we’ll work on the details of the Brookdale Pond common area shoreline stabilization with input from the Palatine Township Road District.

How lucky we are to live in Plum Grove Estates, and among such generous neighbors. At this season's Holiday Party we collected $870.00 to help the Palatine Township Needy Family Fund. That is up from $65.00 collected at the 2012 Holiday Party. To everyone who made a contribution THANKS

long term improvement projects. The property owners association fees for 2014 are due by March 18th. Please contact me at treasurer@pgepoa.org if you have any questions. Please note that my phone number on the property owner’s invoice was incorrect. The number should be 224-343-4662.

Wood Posts and Boulders According to Roland Sachs at the Palatine Township Road District: 1. The wood posts and boulders that are in the right of way can damage the township vehicles.

Treasurer’s Report – Mary Crook At the January board meeting I wrapped up my first year as Treasurer. I have enjoyed serving with fellow board members in meeting the needs of our neighborhood. At the meeting we looked at 2013 expenditures and used those numbers to finalize the budget for 2014. Aside from unexpected maintenance expenses, we stayed within our planned budget. I will be transferring the reserve provision to our money market account for future -4-

2. In the fall fall a reflective bendable stick can be put as markers for the snowplows. snowplows.

3. It can be a safety hazard...A driver may choose (when avoiding something in the roadway) to swerve into oncoming traffic rather than hitting a wood post or boulder. boulder.

4. If there has been been damage to the grass in the right of way in front of your house, the Road District District will come out with fresh soil and rere-seed the area. area. Please call (847) 358358-6336 6336.

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Plum Grove Estates Property Owners Association P.O. Box 2568 Palatine, IL 60078-2568 www.pgepoa.org

Plum Grove Estates Holiday Party Page 1

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Plum Grove Estates Property Owners Association P.O. Box 2568 Palatine, IL 60078-2568 www.pgepoa.org

Plum Grove Estates Holiday Party Page 2

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Plum Grove Estates Property Owners Association P.O. Box 2568 Palatine, IL 60078-2568 www.pgepoa.org

PGE POA General Meeting Minutes (pending approval) Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Call to Order The General Meeting of the Plum Grove Homeowners Association was called to order by President Guy Karm at 7:35 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19, 2014, at Plum Grove Park.

Board Attendees Guy Karm, Gary Dindia, Mary Crook, Debbie Denten, Maria Pappas, George Reichl, Lynn Meinzer, Martin Kammerman, Steve Sperling

Board Absence

President’s Remarks There was a discussion regarding 343 N. Elmwood Lane and 2311 S. Circle. Hiring and attorney to file suit against the homeowners for covenant violations will be discussed at the next board meeting in March.

Approval of Minutes A motion was made to approve the minutes from the General Meeting held Wednesday, October 16, 2013. Minutes were approved by all in attendance.

Treasurer’s Report The Treasurers Report was presented by Mary Crook for the month ending January 31, 2014.

A motion was passed to move the treasurer’s report into the records.

Dave Freeman, Carl Siemianowksi

Resident Attendees Sue Dindia, Marty Atherton, Randy Michell, Janet Engelen, Tim Corrigan, Jeff Berg, Pat Bryant, Tina Bryant, Dave Knowling, Sue Knowling, Donna Mullen.

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Architectural Control Dave Freeman report read by Guy Karm follows: Architectural Review- There have been no new plans submitted for approval. We urge all to consult the Plum Grove Guidelines posted on our website for items that need approval.

Bethel Lutheran had submitted plans for construction of a AT&T Cell phone tower, but this was rejected by Rolling Meadows. Dave talked with the Pastor and as of last month no new initiative had been brought forward. The church is reviewing its option with AT & T and said that they would be in contact with us if they come up with a new proposal. It appears that the construction of such a tower would infringe on set backs and they understand the concern and Dave feels they will be keeping us up to date.

Dave will be in touch with the church and report again at the next meeting.

St. Mary’s Coptic Church was planning a 5 to 7 million dollar expansion which would require the advice and consent as well as approval from our Board as that project is to move forward. Dave talked with them and at this point they do not have adequate funds available to even move forward with drawings or an architect to submit proposed plans to any government body, Us, Rolling Meadows or to Cook County. Their website has some renderings that were done, but these drawings

Plum Grove Estates Property Owners Association P.O. Box 2568 Palatine, IL 60078-2568 www.pgepoa.org

are unofficial and intended to give their membership an idea of what they would be raising funds for. The conversation with the Father was informative and honest and they obviously have to keep us up to date.

Area Control No report.

Civic Affairs Steve Sperling reported that there is bus service available in Palatine Township for people over 60 with wheelchair accessibility.

A homeowner brought up a concern for drag racing between St. Mary’s Coptic and Bethel Lutheranchurch. A call to 911 was advised.

Landscaping Lynn Meinzer reported: Looking back at 2013, before the ‘long-lasting snow’ we had a busy landscape season. With spring coming soon, March 20th, I’d like to mention some of the plants, installed during the last couple of years, that will flower and when to look for them. Some of the plants, especially bulbs, will probably be late this year due to the snow and water.

However, sometime in...April – May the Daffodils and Tulips at the entrances should bloom. Some are new bulbs and some have been moved to new locations.

May – the ‘Trinity’ Pear Trees along the north end of Brookdale Pond will bloom. Also, the replacement ‘Royal Raindrops’ Crabapple Trees at Elmwood Ct. and Circle Ct. islands should bloom.

May-June - the ‘Autumn Jazz’ Viburnum Hedge along the Frontage Road will bloom.

June – The ‘Knock-Out’ Roses should start to bloom at the entrances.

June, July and August The other shrubs at the entrances will also bloom during . This would include the Diervilla, which is green and white variegated, the Dwarf Barberry, which is a plum/red color. Perennials start to bloom during this time as well.

August – the ‘Blue Spirea’ at Longacres blooms blue.

At the end of September – the ‘Mums’ are planted to decorate the entrances and perhaps some Cabbage this year. The Maple Trees planted to replace the diseased Ash Trees will start to display their fall color. The new ‘Marmo’ Maple at Briarwood was planted in late November last year.

The Longacres EAB diseased Tree was removed right before the snow that fell the beginning of December – and the tree nursery closed at the same time – so the Longacres Tree will be a spring plant.

The fall cleanup and bulb planting, took place right before the Holiday Lights and the wreaths went up – in time for the Holiday Party. It will be interesting to see if everything survived this long, cold, snowy winter. Many of the plants will need fertilizer, compost or mulch this work.

This season, we’ll work on the details of the Brookdale Pond common area shoreline stabilization.

Membership Maria Pappas reported these home sales in Plum Grove Estates 271 Longacres Lane- Judith Pietsch 258 Brookdale Court- Frank Curkov 2331 Circle Drive- Matthew & Shayna Frick 252 Park Drive- James & Marilyn Graves 356 Knollwood Court- John Peters

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Plum Grove Estates Property Owners Association P.O. Box 2568 Palatine, IL 60078-2568 www.pgepoa.org

374 Oakwood Court- Invitation Homes Properties Newsletter/Communication Martin Kammerman reported that there will be a newsletter approximately 3 weeks after this meeting.

If you have any contributions to the newsletter or would like to place an ad, please contact Martin Kammerman.

Martin reported there will be a notification mailed for the May General Meeting Social Lynn Meinzer reported The next General Meeting will be on May 21st. Please come at 7pm for the refreshments and 7:30 meeting.

This will be followed by the ‘Kick-Off’ to Summer Party on Wednesday, June 18th, 5:30 to 8:30pm. We Ladies of the Board are planning that fun event, which we hope you will attend! We always appreciate help!

New Business There were many homeowners from Meadow Lane that attended. The main concern was the expansion of St. Mary’s Coptic Church. This project is on hold for the moment, but the Board and the homeowners will keep informed on this situation.

There is also a concern by the Meadow Lane Homeowners about the parking at St. Mary’s Coptic Church on Sundays, which occurs on both sides of the street, and makes the street very difficult to navigate. If this makes it impossible for emergency vehicles to pass then this should be addressed by the police.

The home at 388 Meadow Lane (owned by St. Mary’s Coptic Church) has not been in total compliance with the covenants. This will be addressed by the board.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 pm Debbie Denten Secretary secretary@pgepoa.org

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Sad News Former Plum Grove Estates President Don Jacobs recently passed away on December 28th, 2013. In addition to his service to our local community, Don was actively involved with the First United Methodist Church of Palatine, Kiwanis, Palatine Library Board, and the Palatine Rural Fire Board.

Don enjoyed playing the piano and pipe organ and he was an organist for the First United Methodist Church of Palatine and he substituted at other churches as well.

Don also loved his family activities; travel, photography, fishing and fun with friends and family in the cabin in Siren, Wisconsin.

Don will be missed.

Attention!! Please don’t feed the squirrels or feral cats (Skunks, Racoons, and Coyotes)

We have a large population of skunks, raccoons and some coyotes being attracted to our neighborhood.

When you put out food for the squirrels, feral cats etc. that does not mean that only they will be attracted to that food. Skunks will go wherever there is food!

When you attract skunks and other wild animals to your yard, it means that we (your neighbors) have to BEWARE anytime we want to venture out into our yards.

Please be kind and have respect for your neighbors.

They are far more important than the wild animals that live around us.

There is plenty of naturally occurring food available for all of the wild animals in our neighborhood! Be kind to your neighbors.

Plum Grove Estates Property Owners Association P.O. Box 2568 Palatine, IL 60078-2568 www.pgepoa.org

Plum Grove Estates Property Owners Association

PO Box 2568 Palatine, IL 60078-2568 www.pgepoa.org

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Plum Grove Estates Property Owners Association P.O. Box 2568 Palatine, IL 60078-2568 www.pgepoa.org

Fishing Derby 10:30 to noon,

8/19 PGE POA Board Meeting

7/15 PGE POA Board Meeting

6/18 Kick Off to Summer Party Plum Grove Pool 5:30 to 8:30

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5/21 PGE POA General Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Plum Grove Park (Pizza at 7:00 p.m).

4/15 PGE POA Board Meeting

3/18 PGE POA Board Meeting

Calendar